Brother, sister set to graduate from LFCC

MIDDLETOWN – A brother and sister will be among over 1,000 graduation candidates at Lord Fairfax Community College’s commencement exercises on Saturday.

Luke Shiley, 21, of Winchester, will receive his associate’s degree in health sciences. He plans to attend James Madison University in Harrisonburg in the fall. He said his career goals are to become a physician’s assistant in a hospital’s surgical ward.

“I’ve always been somewhat intrigued about biology,” he said, noting that interest inspired him to take anatomy classes at the college.

He added that he has considered joining the Peace Corps. or Doctor’s Without Borders to give back and have the chance to travel the world while providing care to those in need.

“The only thing I knew when I came here from high school was that the thing I like to do in life that makes me happy is traveling,” he said.

Clarissa Shiley

After graduating from high school a year early and studying at the college his sister Clarissa Shiley, 18, also of Winchester, will receive her general studies degree. She also plans on attending JMU in the fall. Her area of student will be business marketing and Asian studies/Japanese language.

She said she has always had an interest in writing and business and decided to put the two together.

“With marketing, it gives you a lot of openings and will pretty much always be around,” she said. “And if there’s a company I’m passionate about or an area I’m passionate about then I’m able to go and support that area and do something I love.”

She chose Asian studies/Japanese language as well because she would like to work in Japan in the entertainment technology area, she said.

She noted her education at Lord Fairfax Community College has been great because she was able to study at her own pace and enjoyed the small class sizes that gave more one-on-one attention to students.

“You’re not just a number,” she added. “The teachers care if you succeed and the teachers work hard to help you reach your goals.”

For anyone considering the college, she said to give it a try.

“It’s really worth it. Investment-wise, I feel like you’re getting so much more out of what you put in, and it lets you explore different options,” she added.

Lord Fairfax Community College’s 46th commencement will include 1,046 graduation candidates. Of those, 140 are from Shenandoah County and 26 of those are high school students receiving their associate’s degree before their high school diploma. Of the 246 candidates from Frederick County, 81 are dual-enrolled high school students. From Warren County, 84 students are graduation candidates, 11 of whom are high school students.

Commencement will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday at Skyline High School in Front Royal.